Fact or Fiction: Strange Aphrodisiacs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration might not love the idea of aphrodisiacs, but that hasn't stopped plenty of people from trying to use certain foods to spice up their love lives. Take this quiz to see if you know which foods are purported to intensify sexual desire and set the stage for a wild night or some afternoon delight.

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Question 1 of 10

Arugula, or Eruca sativa, is known in some parts as "rocket" for a reason.

Fact

Documentation that describes arugula or rocket seeds as a popular aphrodisiac dates back to Roman times.

Fiction

Almost fact: It's actually a dollop of dill that supposedly gets guys raring to go.

Question 2 of 10

Chomping on pigeon meat has a reputation for improving performance in the bedroom.

Fact

Fiction

Almost fact: It's actually the sparrow that's supposed to be able to steam things up.

Sparrows have historically been considered an aphrodisiac -- their brains, in particular. We can thank Aphrodite's admiration of these little winged wonders for bestowing such a fascination on them as part of her namesake phenomenon.

Question 3 of 10

Nibbling on some lovely water lilies is said to put ladies in the mood.

Fact

Fiction

Neither water lilies nor watercress can lay claim to arousing desire.

Almost fact: While water lilies won't work, legend has it a little watercress will.

Question 4 of 10

The Aztecs thought avocadoes grew in a rather suggestive manner, so they considered them an aphrodisiac.

Fact

Both avocadoes and chili peppers counted as aphrodisiacs to the Aztecs, although the avocado's reported prowess was only due to a certain manly appearance.

Fiction

Almost fact: The Aztecs honored the potent potential of chili peppers, but passed on avocadoes as an aphrodisiac.

Question 5 of 10

Carrots have a reputation for more than just the gift of good eyesight. Apparently ingesting them can also make a prospective mate pretty easy on the eyes.

Fact

Fiction

Almost fact: Carrots have been considered an aphrodisiac, but the idea behind it had more to do with their provocative shape than anything else.

Over the centuries, an attraction to phallic foods has qualified such candidates as carrots, bananas, asparagus and celery for aphrodisiac status.

Question 6 of 10

Oysters have been an exceedingly popular aphrodisiac for centuries, and they're treasured treats for the same type of visual logic that earned avocados a spot in the pantheon.

Fact

Casanovas of the world have long loved oysters as an aphrodisiac, in part due to their resemblance to a certain portion of the female anatomy.

Fiction

Almost fact: Oyster adoration is purely based on the physical reaction that occurs upon ingesting them.

Question 7 of 10

A little licorice is just what a lady needs to get ready for some lovemaking.

Fact

The super-sweet essence of licorice has been considered an aphrodisiac that's particularly potent on women, but it's best to avoid large doses.

Fiction

Almost fact: Licorice is a smart bet, but guys are the ones who should sample the goods.

Question 8 of 10

An apple a day might help keep the doctor away, but it could also work wonders when trying to attract a mate.

Fact

Apples have long been lauded for their association with concepts like love, sensuality, fertility and sexuality.

Fiction

Almost fact: Apples might be healthy and tasty, but they've never been considered particularly amorous.

Question 9 of 10

Legends of fire-breathing salamanders stem from the creatures' perceived ability to heat things up in the boudoir.

Fact

Fiction

Salamanders have never been particularly noted for creating any passionate pining, but lizards known as skinks certainly were.

Almost fact: Salamanders were prized for creating a sexy atmosphere, but that's not the root of their fiery mythology.

Question 10 of 10

Olive Oyl was on to something . It turns out olives are another food believed to help set the stage for seduction.

Fact

Figs are renowned as aphrodisiacs, but olives are another traditional choice. Some believe the black ones work best on women, while the green ones are great for men.